a serious undertaking, but you know we must take some
chances," went on Paul, as they let themselves down into the ditch. "The
captain may really shoot at us, although I think he will hardly dare do
it with Blowfen and Mr. Dottery at hand to see that justice is done."

"If he shoots, we'll shoot back," replied Chet. "He has no right on our
land, and, besides, we must do something for Uncle Barnaby's sake."

Full of determination, and realizing that a crisis was at hand, the two
boys wormed their way along the ditch until the stockade was reached.

Here a few wooden bars blocked the way. But one of the bars was loose
and was wrenched aside, and they went on.

"We must be careful, in case any one is in the house," said Paul in a
whisper.

The ditch led around to the rear of the ranch home. But here it went
underground and they were compelled to leave it and take to the grass.

They gave a brief look and saw Captain Grady down by the opening in the
stockade, still arguing with Dottery and Blowfen. He looked anxious.

"He don't see us," whispered diet. "Come, the front door is open!" and
he made a quick dash for the house, followed closely by Paul.

The door was closing on the pair when Captain Grady started around and
beheld Paul's form from the rear. He gave a quick cry of alarm.

"Stop! Come out!"

"Too late, Captain Grady!" called back Paul, facing about and aiming at
the man with his gun. "Now, just you go and open the stockade gate!"

"Thar ain't no need o' thet!" cried the voice of Jack Blowfen. "Well
done, boys; I give ye credit."

And over the stockade vaulted the cowboy, leaping from his saddle to the
grass on the other side.

Captain Grady knew not which way to turn, and before he could decide the
gate was unbarred and Caleb Dottery rode in.

In the meantime Chet had taken a hasty glance through the house and
satisfied himself that Captain Grady was really alone. There was
evidence that several visitors had been there but recently--a number of
unwashed dishes and drinking glasses.

Chet returned to the doorway and beheld Captain Grady in Jack Blowfen's
strong grasp. The firearm had been wrenched from the captain and hurled
a dozen feet away.

"This--this is an outrage!" puffed the captain in a great rage.

"So is the way ye set up to treat neighbors," replied the cow puncher,
coolly. "Why didn't ye leave us in like gentlemen an' thus avoid all
trouble?"

The captain glared at him.

"What d